Massachusetts Governor Sets Goal for 100,000 Apprentices by 2036
Summary
Governor Healey of Massachusetts announced a goal to register 100,000 new apprentices across various sectors by 2036. The administration has invested nearly $14 million and secured $6 million in federal funding to support apprenticeship programs, while also expanding eligibility for tax credits.
What changed
Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has set an ambitious goal to register 100,000 new apprentices within the next 10 years, aiming to bolster the state's workforce in fields such as construction, healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing, and education. This initiative builds upon the administration's previous efforts, which have already registered 10,000 apprentices and involved significant investment, including nearly $14 million since January 2023 and an additional $6 million in federal funding. The state has also implemented measures to support apprenticeship sponsors, such as lowering annual program fees and expanding eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit (RATC) to include new industries and AI-related credentials.
This announcement signals a strategic focus on workforce development and talent pipeline expansion within Massachusetts. Employers, particularly those in targeted sectors, should be aware of the state's commitment to apprenticeships and the potential benefits of participating in or sponsoring such programs. The expansion of the RATC, offering up to $4,800 per qualified apprentice, presents a financial incentive for businesses to invest in training. Compliance officers should monitor further guidance from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development regarding program specifics and eligibility criteria, especially concerning the tax credit, which now includes AI and defense manufacturing occupations.
What to do next
- Review eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit (RATC) for relevant occupations.
- Investigate opportunities to sponsor or participate in state-approved apprenticeship programs.
- Monitor further guidance from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development regarding apprenticeship initiatives.
Source document (simplified)
- This page, Governor Healey Sets Goal of Registering 100,000 Apprentices by 2036 , is offered by
- Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
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- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Press Release
Press Release Governor Healey Sets Goal of Registering 100,000 Apprentices by 2036
For immediate release: 1/22/2026
- Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Media Contact
Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
Boston — In her third State of the Commonwealth address, Governor Maura Healey set a new goal of registering 100,000 new apprentices in 10 years in fields such as construction, health care, tech, advanced manufacturing and education. In just over two years, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has registered 10,000 apprentices, delivering technical and on-the-job training in key industries, opening the door to a family-sustaining career while also ensuring the state has a well-trained workforce to meet the needs of employers.
“We are opening the doors to these jobs through apprenticeships,” said Governor Healey. “This is paid, hands-on training and a direct path to a great career. Thanks, by the way, to the Labor Movement, for creating this. We’re investing in it. Over the next 10 years, we’re going to have 100,000 apprentices. They are in the Building Trades – and also in nursing, early ed, technology – wherever talent is needed. We’ll get more people into great careers – and a workforce that meets the needs of our businesses.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to expanding apprenticeship, investing nearly $14 million since January 2023 to train and place apprentices and pre-apprentices in the construction and building trades in Massachusetts and expanded industries. Additionally, Massachusetts was awarded $6 million from US Department of Labor to support Registered Apprenticeship and early childhood educator apprenticeships.
Recently, the administration lowered the annual program fee for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors from $300 to $250 and expanded eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit (RATC) to include occupations featuring AI-related credentials, defense manufacturing, and additional manufacturing occupations. The Registered Apprentice Tax Credit supports the growth of registered apprenticeships in key Massachusetts industries, offering employers a refundable tax credit of up to $4,800 per qualified apprentice. Employers use the tax credit to hire apprentices in growing industries like clean energy, health care, and education.
Major companies – like Hasbro, Lego, Transmedics, Alnylam – continue to choose Massachusetts to grow their businesses because of the state’s top-rated health care, schools and universities, the best research ecosystem in the world, and unmatched talent. Looking forward, Governor Healey is focused on strengthening Massachusetts’ foundations – research and science, defense technology, quantum and AI partnerships, climatetech. By fueling up job-creating engines like construction sites, classrooms, small businesses, everyone in Massachusetts will benefit. Governor Healey also took action last year to cut 25 percent of state regulations to save businesses time and money.
Media Contact
Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
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Phone
Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
Since taking office, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll’s top priority has been building a Massachusetts that’s affordable, competitive, and equitable – for every family, worker, and business.
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development builds a skilled workforce, connects talent to opportunity, supports those facing job loss or injury, and ensures safe workplaces.
Media Contact
Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
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